Auditorium Restoration Project

The Hibbing Schools are glad to announce plans to begin a major renovation project in our historic Hibbing High School Auditorium. The project is made possible with a grant from the MN Historical Society, a generous gift from the Dr. Ben Owens Family Trust, along with district capital and bonding funds. The project is scheduled to take place over two summers, beginning with construction in June of 2017, with an anticipated completion date at the end of October 2018.

The first phase will concentrate on the stage improvements needed, including replacement of the rigging to meet current safety standards, stage lighting improvements, and sound system upgrades. Our design team at Architectural Resources of Hibbing has led a team of current teaching staff that use the area such as band, choir, and drama, community members that serve on the Hibbing High School Historic Preservation Committee, the Hibbing community at large, administrative staff, and school board members. This diverse community involvement advisory group is playing an important role in this restoration project.

The second phase of renovation, beginning in the summer of 2018, will include restoration of the existing seating. Fabric replacement, restoring the wood end caps and seat backs, and repairs to seat hardware are planned to begin after the annual class graduation ceremony in early June.

During the second year, the general seating area will receive plaster patching (as needed) and repainting. The hoist cables and winches (in the attic) will be repaired to ensure the safety of the priceless original crystal chandeliers. The chandeliers themselves and the beautiful hand-painted wall murals will not be touched, so the colors will remain intact. During the construction the chandeliers will be protected against any possible damage.

The Hibbing High School Auditorium is a treasure to all students, staff, alumni and the community of Hibbing. These renovations will be completed, respecting our building heritage, preserving the historic significance of this one of a kind treasure, along with continuing to maintain the community and educational importance of HHS for the next 100 years.